Tag Archives: electrical short

Chevy Express & GMC Savana HVAC Circuit May Overheat

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General Motors (GM) is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, with a reputation for producing reliable and safe vehicles. However, like all automakers, GM occasionally identifies issues with its vehicles that need to be addressed to ensure the safety of its customers. Recently, GM identified a problem in certain 2003-2023 Chevrolet Express Cutaway and 2003-2023 GMC Savana Cutaway incomplete vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with wiring for an optional rear heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system.

According to the defect report, these vehicles are equipped with an unused circuit that a final-stage manufacturer may elect to use to install an optional rear HVAC system. While this circuit is not typically used, if the final-stage manufacturer leaves the circuit’s connectors or cut wires unsealed, where exposure to moisture or contamination may, over time, cause corrosion. In rare cases, this corrosion could result in a high current draw through the circuit at the vehicles’ lower left side B-pillar. If left unaddressed, the problem could cause excessive heat in the circuit that could result in a fire.

To address this problem, GM began a product investigation in December 2022, after receiving reports of two alleged fire incidents involving a 2013 and a 2014 Chevrolet Express Cutaway incomplete vehicles. The company’s investigators analyzed inspection reports from the two subject vehicles and retrieved and analyzed field data for all Express Cutaway and GMC Savana Cutaway vehicles sold for model years 2005 through 2023, comprising approximately 167,000 units. Analysis of the field data, including legal claims, identified a total of eight potentially related complaints, six of which alleged fires.

On March 30, 2023, GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) decided to conduct a safety recall. While the company is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with this condition, it is taking this action to ensure the safety of its customers.

Owners of the affected vehicles will receive notices with instructions to return to their dealers to have the rear HVAC blower motor circuits at the left side B-pillar properly sealed. The recall is identified by GMC’s number N222386050 and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-247.

Electrical Short In Battery Of Kia Soul EVs

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Kia will be contacting owners of certain 2015-2019 Kia Soul EVs about a problem that could result in a short circuit in the high voltage battery pack and a potential vehicle fire.

Kia first became aware of the problem in May 2022 when they received reports of smoke from the battery vents located under the passenger seat on a 2017 Kia Soul EV. Kia records showed that the vehicle’s high-voltage battery had been previously replaced under warranty. In October Kia received a second report, involving a 2018 Soul EV. The customer reported the smell of smoke just before the vehicle stalled. Kia performed CT scans and a tear-down analysis for both vehicles but the results were inconclusive due to thermal damage and water intrusion from fire suppression.

As Kia investigated the first two reports they received a third customer complaint of popping noises and smoke coming from the cup holders of a 2018 Soul EV in Hawaii. Kia and the battery supplier inspect vehicle #3 and performed a tear down analysis which found the heat damage was limited to the battery case assembly. The preliminary investigation results were inconclusive and the battery was shipped to the manufacturer for further analysis.

According to the defect report, an electrical short between the anode and cathode of the battery cells can occur with the high-voltage battery pack assembly case. The cause of the electrical short circuit is unknown but believed to be caused by abnormally excessive precipitate within the battery cells.

Although the cause of the electrical short circuit is unknown, Kia has decided to recall all 2018-2019MY Soul EV vehicles equipped with an E400 battery and certain 2015-2017MY Soul EV vehicles that had the high voltage battery replaced under warranty with E400 battery.

Dealers will update the battery management system software with new software that will illuminate the EV warning light, limit charging capacity, and reduce vehicle power if an abnormal voltage is detected. If this occurs, the battery will be replaced. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 26, 2023. Kia’s number for this recall is SC267 and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-218.

There have been three (3) thermal incidents limited to the battery case assembly with no injuries, no crashes, and no fatalities.

Is Your Volkswagen ID.4 A Lemon?

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The Volkswagen ID.4 is a popular electric vehicle that has been making waves in the automotive industry since its release in 2021. However, like any other vehicle, the ID.4 has not been immune to problems, complaints, and recalls.

One of the most significant problems reported by ID.4 owners is related to the vehicle’s software. There have been multiple complaints of the software malfunctioning, resulting in issues such as loss of power, sudden deceleration, and even complete shutdown of the vehicle. These issues have led to multiple recalls of the ID.4, with Volkswagen issuing software updates to address the problem.

Another complaint reported by ID.4 owners is related to the vehicle’s charging capabilities. There have been complaints about the charging process being slow or inconsistent, with some reports that the vehicle fails to charge altogether. While this issue has not led to any recalls, it is something that Volkswagen needs to address to ensure that the ID.4 remains a competitive electric vehicle option.

There have also been several complaints regarding the ID.4’s braking system. Some drivers have reported that the brakes are unresponsive, while others have complained about excessive brake wear. These issues have not resulted in any recalls, but they are cause for concern and something that Volkswagen needs to address to ensure the safety of its drivers.

In addition to these issues, there have been a few recalls associated with the Volkswagen ID.4. The most recent recall involves certain 2023 ID4 rear-wheel drive vehicles. The 12-Volt battery charging cable may contact the steering column shaft and cause the cable insulation to wear, possibly resulting in a short circuit. As a precaution, owners of affected vehicles are advised to park outside and away from structures and other vehicles due to the potential risk of a vehicle fire.

In conclusion, while the Volkswagen ID.4 is a promising electric vehicle option, it has had its fair share of problems and complaints. From issues with the software to problems with the charging and braking systems, there are areas where Volkswagen needs to improve the vehicle. However, it is reassuring to see that Volkswagen has been proactive in addressing these issues, with recalls and software updates aimed at improving the driving experience and ensuring the safety of its drivers.

External Coolant Pump Could Short Circuit And Cause A Vehicle Fire

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Automobile manufacturers Porsche and Bentley Motors will be contacting the owners of certain 2017-2021 model vehicles because of a problem with the external coolant pump in the climate control system of their vehicles.

Porsche became aware of this problem at the end of December 2022, when they were contacted by their coolant pump manufacturer about a potential malfunction of the electric external coolant pump used in the climate control system. An investigation was opened and Porsche reviewed whether there were any possible common influences that could have contributed to the problem. (e.g. Extreme Temperatures, A Corrosive Medium, Special Driving/Customer Behavior, etc.) In January, Porsche determined a safety defect existed and decided to recall the subject vehicles. During this time, Porsche informed Bentley of their investigation because certain Continental GT and GTC vehicles were manufactured with the same pump.

The vehicles affected include:

2020 Bentley Continental GT
2020 Bentley Continental GTC
2017-2021 Porsche Panamera
2017-2021 Porsche Panamera 4
2017-2021 Porsche Panamera GTS
2017-2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo

According to the defect report, some 2017-2021 Porsche Panemera and 2020 Bentley Continental vehicles may have been manufactured with an electric climate control coolant pump that could experience humidity ingress. The humidity could cause a short circuit and, in some instances, thermal damage to the external coolant pump. In rare circumstances, the thermal damage to the harness could progress into a fire.

On the affected vehicles, vehicle occupants may notice an issue with the Climate Control system or reduced performance when using the Residual Heat function. (This allows the vehicle to be heated after the ignition has been switched off, using the remaining heat in a warm engine). On vehicles fitted with a W12 engine, an Engine Management Light could also illuminate.

Dealers will replace the external coolant pump and will inspect and replace the plug-in connection, as necessary.
Porsche’s number for this recall is APA1and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-033
Bentley’s number for this recall is RE23/02 (RC67) and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-034.

Chrysler Pacifica Unexpected Loss Of Power

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Some 2017-2023 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) could experience a loss of drive power. The suspect period began in August 2016, when production of the Chrysler Pacifica began, and ended in January 2023, when Stellantis (Chrysler) started containing vehicles suspect to have the defect.

Chrysler became aware of this issue in August 2022, when the Stellantis Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) opened an investigation into certain Chrysler Pacifica PHEVs after receiving reports of unexpected loss of motive power. The investigation revealed six customer assistance records, 242 warranty claims, and 59 field reports potentially related to this issue. Chrysler decided to issue a recall.

According to the defect report, there could be an internal transmission wiring connector that could short and unexpectedly shut down the engine. An unexpected engine shut down and a loss of motive power can increase the chance of a vehicle crash.

The remedy is a Product information management (PIM) and Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) software update for 2017-2018 model year vehicles and a PIM software update for 2019-2023 model year vehicles. This update will provide messaging to the drivers giving them sufficient drive time to exit traffic before the vehicle completely shuts down. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed out in March 2023. Stellantis number for this recall is 03A and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-010.

If you are having repeated problems with your Chrysler Pacifica PHEV and think it could be a Lemon, or if you have any questions about your rights under the California Lemon Law, please call our office at 1-888-395-3666 and get some great Lemon Law advice!

BMW Hybrid Battery Overheating

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BMW North America will be asking the owners of certain 2020-2021 BMW and MINI hybrid cars and SUVs, to return to their dealerships to repair a manufacturing problem affecting the high voltage battery.

Vehicles Affected Include
2021 BMW 330E
2020-2021 BMW X3
2021 BMW X5
2020 Mini Countryman

The high voltage battery in these vehicles may not have been produced according to specification. According to the defect report, an incomplete cleaning during the battery module welding process could result in welding beads left within the battery assembly. Depending upon the size, shape and position of the beads, the beads could develop a short between the cells. In rare cases, the short circuit could lead to a thermal event and a vehicle fire.

Drivers will be alerted of a problem through a warning message displayed in the instrument cluster.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their BMW dealership to have the battery modules inspected and replaced as necessary. The NHTSA recall number is 20V-495.

2017-2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Safety Warning

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Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) have discovered that a safety defect exists in certain 2017-2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. Chrysler advises owners to take additional safety measures until the problem can be fixed by their dealership.

“Note: Consumers are advised to exercise the following precautions until the vehicle has the final repair completed: Do not park inside of buildings, near structures or other vehicles. Additionally, keep liquids out of the backseat area, including but not limited to beverages, wet items, umbrellas, or bottled liquids that may leak.”

According to the defect report, some 2017-2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vehicles may experience a high resistance electrical connection at the 12 volt isolator post. This high resistance could lead to prolonged heating and a potential vehicle fire even with the vehicle shut off.

A remedy for this recall is currently under development. In the meantime, notices will be sent out to owners instructing them to return to their dealers to have an interim inspection of this connection. If the inspection indicates the joint is compromised, owners will receive a loaner vehicle until a fix is developed.

Interim notifications are expected to begin around June 22, 2020. FCA US LLC’s number for this recall is W46 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-334.

2019 Ford Ranger HVAC Blower Motor Failure

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Ford will be contacting the owners of certain 2019 Rangers because of a problem with the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor in their vehicles. The trucks affected had their HVAC blower motor replaced between October 9, 2019 to November 22, 2019 as part of recall 19V-726.

According to the defect report, the replacement motor installed, may have been built with improper clearance between the electrical terminal and the base plate. If the terminal shorts against the plate, it could overheat, melt, smoke and/or ignite.

Ford will ask owners to return to their dealerships to have the HVAC blower motor inspected and replaced as necessary. Ford’s number for this recall is 20S12 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-137.